Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on November 28, 2012.

Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcements:

At the invitation of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Jantoro Satybaldiev and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the 11th Prime Ministers' Meeting of the SCO Member States to be held in Bishkek, hold the 17th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers in Moscow and pay official visits to the above two countries from December 4 to 6.

During his attendance at the SCO Prime Ministers' Meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao will expound on China's policies and propositions on deepening SCO practical cooperation and work with prime ministers of other member states to formulate specific measures of strengthening economic and cultural cooperation.

During his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Premier Wen Jiabao will discuss with Kyrgyz leaders ways to cement China-Kyrgyzstan good-neighborliness and friendship and step up mutually beneficial cooperation across the board.

During the regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers and his visit to Russia, Premier Wen Jiabao will have in-depth exchange of views with Russian leaders on further deepening China-Russia relations, expanding practical cooperation across the board and major international and regional issues of mutual interest so as to push forward China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Q: First, it is reported that the US Treasury Department indicated on November 27 that China was not a currency manipulator, but the RMB remained undervalued. How does China comment? Second, CNOOC's acquisition of Nexen was submitted for approval. Does the Chinese side want the acquisition approved?

A: On your first question, in recent years, China's ratio of current account surplus to its GDP has been declining, the supply and demand in the foreign exchange market balanced and the RMB exchange rate close to equilibrium rather than being so-called "significantly undervalued". China will continue to push forward the reform of the RMB exchange rate regime according to the principle of independent decision-making, controllability and gradual progress. We hope the US side could put in the right perspective and properly handle economic issues such as the RMB exchange rate and work with the Chinese side to jointly uphold the sound and steady development of China-US business ties.

On your second question, relevant cooperation is mutually beneficial and conducive to China-Canada economic relations and trade. We hope parties concerned could support business cooperation projects that benefit China and Canada.

Q: The DPRK and Japan will hold meetings in Beijing from December 5 to 6. How does China comment?

A: We have noticed relevant reports but don't know the specifics. The Chinese side always supports the DPRK and Japan in improving their relations and properly resolving issues between them through dialogue and consultation.

Q: It is reported that the Eurogroup has reached consensus on the new bail-out plan for Greece. How does China comment?

A: We have noticed relevant reports and hope that the EU could get out of the current economic difficulty by pressing ahead with relevant reform and adjustment in a bid to promote economic recovery and growth of Europe.

Q: It is reported that the outgoing Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa recently remarked in a press conference that he could not agree with the notion that "China no longer needs Japan's help to develop its economy". He also said that Japan would not back down on the Diaoyu Islands issue. How does China respond?

A: With regard to Ambassador Uichiro Niwa's remarks, I want to point out the following: First, the Chinese side is committed to the win-win strategy of opening up. Second, the Chinese side always stands for developing its strategic relationship of mutual benefit with the Japanese side based on the four political documents between China and Japan, which is conducive to the common interests of both countries and both peoples. Third, China's position on the Diaoyu Islands issue is consistent and clear. It is imperative for Japan to face up to the grim situation in China-Japan relations caused by its illegal "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands, show sincerity and take concrete actions to properly handle relevant issue so that China-Japan relations could return to the normal track of development at an early date.

Q: The Expo 2017 will be held in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, how does China comment?

A: We are glad to see our friendly neighbour Kazakhstan won the bid for the Expo 2017. We hope and believe that the Kazak side will make good preparations and ensure the Expo a success, which will allow the world to better understand Kazakhstan and promote the friendly exchanges between Kazakhstan and other countries across the world.

Q: It is reported that the Japanese coast guard said on November 27 that two Chinese maritime surveillance ships once again entered waters off the Diaoyu Islands and tried to drive Japanese ships away. How does China respond?